Rockwell Elementary School

The public health crisis surrounding COVID-19 has magnified the dangers that victims of family violence face every day. Victims are often isolated, manipulated, and controlled by their abuser. They may be intimate partners, children, seniors, or vulnerable people and unable to seek help on their own. Their isolation often cuts them off from potential support systems, which is why it is so difficult for them to come forward and seek help even in normal times.

There are natural stressors that come with times of fear and uncertainty, and the COVID-19 public health crisis in particular is triggering financial and occupational concerns in many homes. This, in combination with self-quarantine and social distancing, puts family violence victims in an incredibly volatile and dangerous situation, with limited access to any support system.

Please know that county resources remain free, open, available and ready to assist in any language. County service providers do not inquire about immigration status. County service providers are taking every precaution to maintain safe, healthy, and socially distanced environments for those that seek services. The courts are open for those that need to seek protective and peace orders. If you have a neighbor, friend, or family member that you are concerned about, encourage them to reach out for help, or you can make the call or send an email and receive guidance on how to support them.

For more information, please visit:  https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/

Available Resources:

• The Family Justice Center (FJC) and its network of advocates and service providers is available FREE OF CHARGE Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm. Call them at 240-773-0444, walk-in to 600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20852, or email safe@montgomerycountymd.gov for assistance (email checked during business hours). Free transportation to/from the Center may be available if needed.
• The advocates and therapists at the Abused Persons Program are available FREE OF CHARGE during regular business hours at 240-777-4195.
• For 24-hour assistance:
  • Call the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 or walk-in 24/7 to 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.
  • Go to the District Court Commissioners Office to file for a Protective Order at 191 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
• Montgomery County Child Welfare Services is staffed 24 hours a day at 240-777-4417 or childprotection@montgomerycountymd.gov (email is checked during business hours).
• Childhelp USA has a 24-hour hotline to report suspected child abuse. People can either call or text (800) 4-A-CHILD ([800] 422-4453 for help. Childhelp also has a chat feature allows abuse to be reported online: http://www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline
• Adult Protective Services is staffed 24 hours a day at 240-777-3000.
• The Tree House Child Advocacy Center provides services for child abuse victims at 240-777-4699 and www.treehousemd.org.
• The Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP) is available at 240-777-1355 and vasap@montgomerycountymd.gov.
• For specialized medical care, including domestic violence, sexual assault exams and child abuse, please contact Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center at 240-826-6225.
• As always, those in immediate danger who need emergency assistance should dial 911.